The true distinction of this species from the widespread species Podocarpus rumphii is not entirely clear and it may be a variety of the latter[].

Common Name:

General Information

Podocarpus macrocarpus is an evergreen tree that can grow 10 - 20 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be up to 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood, which is traded with other Podocarpus species under the name 'podo' wood
This species (or infraspecific taxon if it turns out to be a variety of Podocarpus rumphii) is undoubtedly uncommon and very restricted in its occurrence. None of the four known localities are in protected areas and deforestation is encroaching on most of these. As the primary 'mossy forest' declines, so must this species. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Philippines

Habitat

A scattered tree in tropical montane, evergreen cloud forest ('mossy forest'); at elevations around 2,000 - 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are generally slow-growing[].
A dioecious species; both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is used in the construction of small aeroplanes as a substitute for Sitka Spruce; in musical instruments for sounding boards, for tennis rackets, and for pencils[].

This species is one of several that are traded collectively under the name 'podo'. The general description of podo wood is as follows:-
The heartwood is light yellow with a greenish tinge or light golden brown; it is not clearly demarcated from the sapwood. The texture is very fine and even; the grain is straight. The wood can vary considerably in hardness and density; it is fairly strong; non-durable under exposed conditions. It seasons well without serious degrade. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools; planed surfaces are smooth and lustrous. The wood is suitable for many decorative purposes, interior finishings, panelling, high class furniture and cabinets, fancy plywood and flooring[].

Propagation

The seed can be sown at any time of the year in a sandy soil, though it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe terminal shoots, 5 - 10cm long, in a frame[].

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